Top Characters in Tekken 8: Tier List

*Tekken 8*, released in 2024, marked a significant shift in gameplay and balance for the beloved fighting game series. Over a year later, here's a detailed tier list reflecting the current state of its fighters, showcasing their strengths and adaptability.

Tekken 8 Tier List

Below is a comprehensive tier list of Tekken 8 fighters, highlighting their positions based on their effectiveness and ease of use. Remember, this list is subjective and player skill significantly influences outcomes.

S Tier

S-Tier characters in Tekken 8 are known for their powerful movesets and versatility, often considered "broken" due to their effectiveness.

Dragunov quickly rose to S-tier status with his strong frame data and mix-ups, remaining a meta choice despite nerfs. Feng excels with fast, low attacks and counter-hit abilities, making him a formidable opponent. Jin, the protagonist, is versatile and easy to pick up, with his devil gene mechanics allowing deadly combos from any range. King dominates close-range combat with his chain throws, making him unpredictable and powerful. Law is hard to counter, with a strong poking game and agility that keeps opponents on their toes. Nina, while challenging to master, offers great offensive options and effective heat mode, making her a top pick for competitive play.

A Tier

A-Tier fighters are slightly less dominant but still incredibly effective, offering a range of strategies and playstyles.

Alisa is beginner-friendly with her android gimmicks and strong low attacks. Asuka is ideal for new players, offering good defensive options and easy combos. Claudio becomes a force to be reckoned with once his Starburst state is activated. Hwoarang offers complexity with four stances, appealing to both beginners and veterans. Jun can heal herself with her heat smash and has strong mix-ups. Kazuya rewards players who understand Tekken fundamentals with his versatile fighting style and powerful combos. Kuma proved his worth at the 2024 World Tournament with strong defense and unpredictable movements. Lars is perfect for mastering evasion and closing distances, with intense wall pressure. Lee has an impressive poking game and fast stance transitions. Leo offers safe, strong mix-ups that keep opponents guessing. Lili uses acrobatics to create unpredictable combos, with few defensive weaknesses. Raven leverages speed and stealth for devastating attacks. Shaheen has a steep learning curve but is powerful with unbreakable combos. Victor adapts to any fighting style with his technological moves. Xiaoyu is nearly impossible to pin down due to her mobility and stance versatility. Yoshimitsu excels in long matches with health siphoning and teleportation. Zafina requires mastering her three stances for effective stage control and mix-ups.

B Tier

B-Tier characters are balanced but can be exploited by skilled opponents, requiring practice to compete against higher-tier fighters.

Bryan delivers high damage and pressure but is slow and lacks gimmicks. Eddy was initially considered broken but is now easily countered due to his lack of corner pressure. Jack-8 is perfect for newcomers, offering strong long-range attacks and wall pressure. Leroy has been nerfed, making him easier to punish. Paul can deal serious damage but lacks agility and versatility. Reina is fun but lacks defensive capabilities, making her vulnerable at higher levels. Steve requires practice and has many counters, making him predictable without mix-ups.

C Tier

Panda sits alone at the bottom of the tier list, overshadowed by Kuma. With limited range and predictable movements, Panda struggles to match the effectiveness of other characters.

Tekken 8 is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.